Uzbekistan and Hong Kong to Launch Direct Flights

Uzbekistan Airports and Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at launching direct flights between the two regions.

The agreement, announced by the Uzbek state company’s press service, marks a significant step toward strengthening air connectivity and fostering economic and tourism ties between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

The document was inked on 11 September on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Initiative summit in Hong Kong. Its goal is to launch direct air service between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong and strengthen cooperation in airport management.

The agreement provides for the exchange of expertise to improve efficiency and service quality. The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA) will train specialists for Uzbekistan. The parties will also work on joint sustainable development projects in the aviation sector.

“The agreement will help open new routes and increase the frequency of flights linking Hong Kong and Uzbekistan. We are also placing strong emphasis on training aviation specialists,” said HKIA Chief Executive Officer Vivian Cheung.

For his part, First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan Airports Salokhiddin Nasirov described the agreement as “an important step in integrating Uzbekistan into the global aviation network.” He added that it would boost passenger traffic and strengthen logistics capacity.

In August, Deputy Minister of Transport Jasurbek Choriev discussed prospective aviation projects with Chan Man Hin, Vice President of Hong Kong’s JDB Group Limited. The talks considered the possibility of launching regular flights.

Private carrier Hong Kong Airlines was proposed as a priority partner operator. There was also an initiative to establish an International Aviation Academy in Uzbekistan to train pilots, technicians, flight attendants, ground staff, and aviation managers to international standards.